Cycling for a fantastic cause

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This article was published 22/06/2022 (342 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Retiring to Royalwood with her husband has surpassed all of Carrie Wai’s expectations. In addition to being closer to family, she has found health, a caring community and a way to give back.

For a second year, Wai is a member of the Blue Sky Fitness Studio Team taking part in the Riverview Health Centre Foundation’s 24th Annual Cycle on Life, Sunday, Sept. 11.

“I joined Blue Sky in 2018 after moving to Winnipeg from Swan River. I needed low-impact exercises after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hip and was waiting for joint-replacement surgery. I was looking for a warm and welcoming place close to home,” explained Wai.

Running had always been Wai’s top fitness choice, but her arthritis made it painful. With guidance from St. Vital’s Blue Sky owner, Kathryn Dzikowicz, Wai turned to biking on her own and weight training in small classes to keep strength and range of motion in her hips.

Wai’s diligence enabled a successful recovery following her surgery in October 2020.

“I was riding a stationary bike at week four post-op and returned to Blue Sky after six weeks,” recounted Wai. “Taking it slow but moving. Everyone was so encouraging.”

It was at Blue Sky that Wai met Dee Dee Budgell in 2021, a former Royalwood resident whose first husband Harry had been a patient at Riverview prior to his passing in 2017.

“After hearing Dee Dee’s story about the wonderful care they received, I signed up for the Cycle on Life as a member of Team Blue Sky,” said Wai.

Wai prepared for the 20-kilometre route by exercising three days a week and riding 10 to 15 kilometres twice a week. She completed the event without difficulty and is looking forward to this year.

To date, Team Blue Sky has three members and has collected nearly $1,200 in donations towards their goal of $2,000. The 2022 Cycle on Life aims to raise $200,000 for Riverview Health Centre. Riders under the age of 14 must raise a minimum of $50 and riders 14 years of age and over must raise a minimum of $200.

“Between discovering Blue Sky and taking part in the Cycle on Life, my Royalwood retirement has been a journey of learning and giving, surrounded by kind, generous people,” Wai concluded.

To join Team Blue Sky or to contribute to the Cycle on Life, contact team captain Kathryn Dzikowicz by email at blueskyfitnessandhealthcoach@gmail.com or by phone at 204-979-5284.